- Prepare the sub-base The driveway company will excavate, or dig, the existing surface down to a depth of around 200mm. They will remove any debris from the area may place it in a skip or arrange for it to be removed in another way. When they dig down to the sub-base of your previous driveway, they will assess how much hardcore they need and arrange for that to be delivered to the site. They will then spread the hardcore across the sub-base to create a level surface to pour the concrete on. Most good contractors will apply a gel to any walls and doors to protect them from concrete splashes. They will also add any gulley tops, manhole covers or shuttering that’s required.
- Installation and imprinting Next, the tradespeople will have the concrete either poured from a large mixer vehicle or barrow it in from a mixer and pour onto the surface. They level it with rakes, then add a colour surface hardener in a colour of your choice. This will give the driveway its permanent colour. They will then wait until the concrete has hardened to the correct consistency for imprinting the pattern, then will use special tools and stencils to make the pattern that you asked for. They will then spread a colour powder called a release agent over the surface, and leave to dry for 1 to 2 days depending on the weather conditions.
- Cleaning When the contractors return, they will add crack control cuts into the concrete. This is important because concrete expands and contracts in the heat, so there needs to be some give to stop any larger cracks from forming. Then everything is power washed clean, and a chemical wash is also used on the concrete to ensure it’s completely dust-free. The installers will ensure all your walls and doors are clean, which will hopefully be an easy job if they used wall gel.
- Sealing The final step is to seal the driveway. There needs to have been at least two dry days before the tradespeople can do it, so you might find it’s best to have your pattern imprinted driveway installed in the summer. The contractors will blow any debris away from the surface and dry any damp areas where necessary. They will then add an anti-slip agent to the sealant and brush it on. It’s best to not walk or drive onto your new concrete driveway for about 4 days after sealing to allow everything to set. But after that, you’re ready to use your new driveway!
Hexham
Hexham is a market town and civil parish in the English county of Northumberland. It lies south of the River Tyne, and was the administrative centre for the Tynedale district from 1974 to 2009. Smaller towns and villages neighboring Hexham include Corbridge, Riding Mill, Stocksfield and Wylam to the east, Acomb and Bellingham towards the north, Allendale to the south and Haydon Bridge, Bardon Mill and Haltwhistle to the west. Newcastle upon Tyne is almost 25 miles (40 kilometres) towards the east. With mention to the 2011 Census, the town has a permanent population of about 11829. Hexham's architectural landscape is led by Hexham Abbey. The current church predominantly dates from roughly 1170, constructed in the Early English Gothic style of architecture. The choir, north and south transepts and the cloisters, where canons studied and meditated, date from this period. The east end was reconstructioned in 1860. The abbey stands at the west side of the market place, which is home to the Shambles, a Grade II covered market built in 1766 by Sir Walter Blackett. At the east end of the market place is the Moot Hall, a 15th-century gatehouse that pertained to the town's defences. The Moot Hall is a Grade I listed structure, and was put to use as a courthouse till 1838. The Moot Hall now houses the Council offices of the Museums Department and the ground floor is an art gallery ready for hire. Hexham won the Town award in the 2005 Britain in Bloom awards. In the same year Hexham was also named 'England's Favourite Market Town' by the publication 'Country Life'. For all of your home upgrades, make sure to find dependable professionals in Hexham to make certain of quality.
